What is your greatest Birthday fantasy? (for your next birthday!) Would you travel? Have a party? Cross an item off your bucket list? Have a private ritual, just you + the stars?
This question was asked to me when I was about to turn 25. I never knew I was allowed to dream! That year I ended up passing out hot pink flyers for my birthday celebration, + asking friends to follow a treasure map to my bedroom where they would feed me mangoes + sing me songs on the guitar. (That was in Santa Cruz!)
Living at Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage in Missouri, folks put on their own birthday parties for themselves. I had never heard of that before! I thought you had to wait for someone else to throw you one! But throwing your own birthday party can be so empowering!
Travel Adventures + Festival Healing Sanctuary
Happy June! Wow, I have been on a Traveling Journey the past few weeks! First, playing + working @ Shakti Fest in Joshua Tree, CA (I helped an amazing raw chocolate company, Medicinal Foods -- I love how we're all friends! ;)) Then a quick 5-day trip to Atlanta, my Heart-Home, + then I had my first Healing Booth ever at Lightning in a Bottle Festival in Bradley, CA!
First, I want to share my excitement! I had a paid speaking gig in Atlanta at the amazing PeachDish (a cool local-foods box delivery startup). I got to talk about my food story, healing an eating disorder, + Morning Rituals for success on the job (and in life!). It was super fun! Thank you Judith Winfrey for hosting me! ;)
Also, I had a beautiful photo shoot at one of my favorite urban intentional communities/ farms with the amazing Ana Ducasse, + I can't WAIT to show you the pics!
Prince, Moms + Atlanta: I'm coming to ATL!
I am loving this collective celebration of Prince. I love that the celebration just keeps going on + on. Events in June, July... more + more. We're not done celebrating him yet.
I've been thinking much about the Spirit world, as I'm reading a fabulous book called Dying to Be Me by Anita Moorjani, in which she describes a near death experience she had. (By the way, have you been listening to the Hay House World Summit? I'm loving it!)
Being it Mercury Retrograde, I'm pulling out a piece I wanted to share months ago, a tribute to one of my "Spirit Moms," Jackie Graff. Jackie made her transition in late 2015, + she was one of my first Raw Food teachers back in 2001. She lovingly called herself my "Mother-in-Raw" + even showed up to one of my dance performances! I love you Jackie!! Thank You for everything you taught me, + thank you for your unconditional Love! (The woman is a master chef, + her teachings still live on in Atlanta!)
When the Universe Surprises You...
Hey There! It's been a minute! How are you?!!
In my world, life took over + I have been on a profound journey of transformation! Yes, it has to do with me + Shiva Rea, going to see Oprah @ Super Soul Sessions, + generally growing to fit some bigger shoes.
I met Danielle LaPorte @ Super Soul Sessions! OMG!
Remember all that talk about The Artist's Way from my last email? I created a page on my website, videos + audio recordings, + then... the Universe responded. But not how I thought it would! ;) The moment the page went up + the cart opened, BAM! I got an email from Shiva Rea. She wanted me to cater a whole bunch of Yoga Retreats all year long! (!!!!!)
So, suffice it to say, The Artist's Way is not happening, at least not now, + I am preparing for Retreat #2, in Malibu, CA, beginning today!!! We are feeding 40 goddesses at a gorgeous property by the beach. And I am being called to stretch myself beyond my previous limits. This is SO GOOD!!! :)
Have you ever put energy out into the Universe, + it comes back to you, in a way totally different than you expected?!! This is what I love about being a multi-passionate Entrepreneur. Every time I put energy into my business, it comes back to me, + in ways that are often surprising!
So, I invite you, put some energy out into the Universe. (Take a Physical, Tangible Action Step, even if it's small! ;))
I wonder what will come back to You? :) ......
With Love + Excitement, Growth, + Joy,
xo
Debra.
p.s. It's not too late to create your Vision for the year!! (Seriously!) I'm mentioning this one more time, because filling out these Workbooks has been so Joyful + Fruitful for me!!!
Leonie Dawson's 2016 Create Your Shining Year Life + Biz Workbooks
If you haven't created your Vision/ Goals for 2016, it's truly not too late! Writing down your Goals is half the step to achieving them! The most successful people write down their goals + review them regularly. Though Leonie's workbooks are very colorful + "Goddessy," you do not need to be female to enjoy them!
I did the Create Your Shining Year Life + Business Workbooks last year, + they had such an inspirational + tangible impact on my life, I ordered them again this year!!
You *must* check these out if you want to be successful + feel accomplished with your Creative Goals (or even figure out what they are in the first place! ;))
And again, it's not too late... now is the Perfect Time!!
>>Click here for Leonie's Fun + Transformative Workbooks!!
How to Get Unstuck + Be Who You Really Are: 3 Tools for the Road
It's the end of January; how many of your New Year's Resolutions have you made come true?
If you're feeling stuck, it's okay! Now is the time to break through + get on with things! It's time to become FULLY YOU in 2016!! No holding back!!!
Here are 3 of my Favorite Programs + Tools for getting un-stuck:
1) The Art of Money by Bari Tessler
This year-long course is for those of us who have done all the inner work + workshops, except for healing our money stories + patterns. Are you ready for a Financial Breakthrough in 2016??
Bari Tessler is a Dance + Movement Therapist (Naropa grad) turned Financial Therapist. I'm actually signed up for her program (hey, coaches need coaches too! ;)). Perhaps you want to join me! We start February 1st (this Monday) so check out all the info here!
>>Let's Do This!!!
2) Institute for Integrative Nutrition
Yes, this is a Health Coaching School, + it's a specialty. Think, Transformation, speaking the language of Food! If you give yourself to this program, it will change your life!! At least, I can speak for myself....
I did IIN in 2011, + it led me to move from Atlanta to California (a HUGE Life Change!) along with healing my relationship to food, + opening me up in so many new ways.
Integrative Nutrition incorporates all areas of life into Health (not just food ;)). I still feel so much more balance in my life because of this school. Plus, I do Holistic Health Coaching + have amazing clients (including perhaps YOU! ;))
>>Check it out (along with a FREE Class) here!!!
3) Leonie Dawson's 2016 Create Your Shining Year Life + Biz Workbooks
If you haven't created your Vision/ Goals for 2016, it's truly not too late! Writing down your Goals is half the step to achieving them! The most successful people write down their goals + review them regularly. Though Leonie's workbooks are very colorful + "Goddessy," you do not need to be female to enjoy them!
I did the Create Your Shining Year Life + Business Workbooks last year, + they had such an inspirational + tangible impact on my life, I ordered them again this year!!
You *must* check these out if you want to be successful + feel accomplished with your Creative Goals (or even figure out what they are in the first place! ;))
And again, it's not too late... we are just moving out of Mercury Retrograde, so now is the Perfect Time!!
>>Click here for Leonie's Fun + Transformative Workbooks!!!
4) The Artist's Way Collective + Private Coaching with Me, Debra Mazer!
Okay, Surprise! There is a #4! This is actually a poll:: I've been asked by several people to lead The Artist's Way again!! (Remember from last year??)
I'm considering getting a group together + facilitating "The Artist's Way Collective" beginning Monday, February 15th. A creative, supportive collective of Artists + Artists-to-Be going through the life-changing book, The Artist's Way.
We will meet over the Phone + in a Private Facebook Group, having calls once a week, so we will truly be from all over the globe!! >>Are you interested? Click "Reply" to this email + tell me so! Feel free to give me input! Thank You!
I've also been contacted by a bunch of folks this week, interested in doing Private Life Coaching + Holistic Health Coaching with me. The answer is, YES!!! I still have spaces available for Private Clients!
Comment below + tell me you are interested in Life Coaching/ Holistic Health Coaching!! + I will get back with you to answer questions/ concerns + set you up!
I Love You All + Let's Make 2016 Our Best Ever!!!!
What do you say???!!!
x
Debra.
P.S. If you are in the LA area + wanting to get down with some Raw Food Sweets, I have two upcoming classes + events!
The first is a Raw Vegan Tiramisu Class, this coming Thursday, February 4th!! Though we will be making (+ devouring!) Tiramisu, these skills are universal in the Raw Dessert-Making World. Layers of Cake, Whipped Creme, + Chocolate Ganache. These are skills you'll have for life!!
Sign up here!!!
The second is a Raw Chocolate Self-Love Party, Friday, February 12th!! We will be indulging in my Award-Winning Hot Love Chocolate Truffles, drinking Cacao Elixirs, + of course practicing Rituals + Ceremonies of Self-Love. You definitely want to be there!! Remember, Valentine's Day Love Starts Within!!
Hop on board here!! Registration is filling up!! Get it soon!!!
My Favorite Black-Owned Businesses: A Whimsical, Potent Guide
Happy 2016!!!
(Make sure you give this edition of Love + Inspiration Notes some time... sit down, have a cup of tea. Scroll down... There's lots of good info here!!)
I have to say, living in California on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day made me miss Atlanta just a lil bit... ;)
Being so close to the King Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, + feeling the glory of a city run by Black people... (or so the fairy tale in my mind...)
Working in various Raw + Vegan Restaurants in Atlanta, I was blessed to be witness to talk about supporting Black-Owned Businesses. I believe this can apply to all of us.
Given the need for more Black voices in the media + me as a white woman connected to so many amazing Black artists + healers, I felt led to dedicate this edition of Love + Inspiration Notes to "My Favorite Black-Owned (Holistic) Businesses!" I have more to share about New Year's + my own biz offerings, but I wanted to dedicate today to loving up a Vision of the Beloved Community.
My intention is to shine light on some beautiful, special, amazing people I know, with the hopes of broadening the Rainbow + creating a more tightly knit community of LOVE. So, here goes:
(Disclaimer! I apologize if I missed you or left you out! This list is not comprehensive! ;) It is based on my personal meanderings + whimsical momentary download! I encourage you to go to the comments section below + please add more!!! How wonderful would that be!!)
Read MoreThe Great 2016 Calendar + Planner Showdown!!
Well, it's about that time!! Hanukkah just ended, Solstice is around the corner, + Christmas + Kwanzaa are coming soon! ;)
I don't know if time is speeding up or if it's just me, but isn't it crazy that 2015 is almost over???!!!
The good news is, it's time to stock up on (Inspirational!!!) Calendars + Planners for the New Year! ;)
+ Oh! Have I got you covered!!
Here's my Great Calendar + Planner Showdown for 2016 (aka. Top Favorites!!):
1) 2016 Create Your Shining Year Biz + Life Workbook by Leonie Dawson
Did you know that the most successful people actually write down their goals AND review them regularly?? Are you looking for a Fun, Creative, Artistic, + Profound/ Transformative way to dream out your Life??!
I just bought Leonie's workbook for the first time last year, + it has been SOO FUN + empowering to review my goals all year!!! Not just career, but personal life, friendships, spirituality, + more.
Recently I received my 2016 Biz + Life Workbooks, along with with the Planner! Seriously, this is going to make you feel SOO Fun + Creative, it's like a big year-long heap of Self-Love. (My Trip to Atlanta in 2015 happened because of the "Birthday Fantasy" page... ;)))
Read MoreThat's What Friends Are For... (+ Affirmative Prayer + "Eco-Fabulousness")
First, a song: Friends by Jody Watley (think 1989 R&B ;))... okay, there's still some forgiveness work that needs to be done in this song. lol! But it's the Jam! ;) "Whoa-oooh Friends won't let you down, Friends, will be around, talkin' bout your Friends!" Remember that one??... !!
I've been thinking a lot about friends during this "Holiday Season." I've been wanting more of the old school phone calls + snail mailing! So I created a 30-Day "Call Your Friends" Challenge on facebook... it's here, you can join! We're on Day 8, but hop in when you can! ;) If you want extra support in Cultivating Friendships, check out this link on my website! xoWe have an Inner Circle happening for the 30-Day Challenge... complete with Phone Calls + a Secret Facebook Group! $25 gets you in!!
In other "Inner Circle" Debra news, I finally bought a car!! If you've been reading, you know I was convinced I was going to win one on Oprah's Super Soul Sessions. (P.S. The videos are up + I'm in the Studio Audience! Let me know if you see me! ;))
Raw Chocolate for Halloween!
Since it's Halloween, I wanted to gift you with a quick Raw Chocolate Pudding Recipe w/ Coconut Creme! (In fact, if you google youtube videos for Raw Chocolate Pudding in the Vitamix, my recipe video is the first to come up! ;))
Enjoy! (Normally I give this out at a Recipe class that costs money, but I wanted to give it to you for Free!!!)
Here it is:
>>Click here for the Recipe!!<< Raw Chocolate Pudding w/ Coconut Creme (which can be colored Orange w/ a little carrot juice) !! OMG! ;)
It's quick + easy + it's done in a blender.
You can also top with Passionfruit for the "Orange" look! ;)
___
If you're in the LA area this weekend, come to Ecstatic Dance LA, where I'll have my award-winning Hot Love Chocolate Truffles available for purchase on Sunday (the day after Halloween!)
Read MoreSometimes You Have to Let Go of What's Good.... to Get Something That's Even Better.
Mercury Retrograde has been rocking my world. The Universe laid this one on me: It's time to get a New Car.
I Love Olivia (my car) like nothing else. She has been with me for 9 years + traveled with me from Atlanta to California. She has been my stability; my rock. But it's time....
>> Do you have something in your Life you know it's time to let go of?
You know your situation/ thing/ relationship/ job/ health is "Good," but is it Great? Is it really what you want?
Sometimes we have to let go of something to create space for the New, Amazing, Wonderful thing to come in.
I have an exciting upcoming class! + Happy Supermoon Eclipse...
This Supermoon Eclipse reminds me of one of my favorite Zap Mama songs... Supermoon. You have to listen! I'm sitting under the Full Moon right now on my front porch typing.
Hope you are having a Beautiful Full Moon Eclipse experience! I just put a couple things on Craig's List (just to keep it practical ;)) It's a great time to let go of things, habits, to cleanse, + prepare ourselves for the New.
Which brings me to my Big, Exciting News! I alluded to it in the last issue of Love + Inspiration Notes.
+ I wanted YOU to be the first to know! ;) (Particularly so you can snag a spot before they're gone! ;))
My Oprah Experience + How I "Won" A New Car....
I know you are hanging on the edge of your seat waiting to hear about my Oprah Experience (I was in the studio audience for Super Soul Sessions, her new show, a week + a half ago! ;)) OMG, it was thrilling to be there!!!
We had quite the contingency from Agape Spiritual Center in LA (figures that us spiritual junkies would have managed tickets to this event! ;)) + I saw Rev. Michael Beckwith, Marianne Williamson, Janet Mock, + the big "O" herself speak on stage! ;)
The size of the auditorium was surprisingly intimate, + although I didn't meet Oprah face to face, I caught a loving scoop/ whoosh/ blessing of her energy. + Heard her message big time: "Listen to Your Intuition." "Cultivate a Daily Practice." "Be YOU." She sounds like my Sisters that I talk to on the phone, but she's up to HUGE things....
My Greatest Passion...
Have you ever been so busy living LIFE that you forgot to get online?
That's how my life has been lately, or rather, how I wish it to be!
True Friendships + Community, Summer Nights, Ocean Swimming, Potlucks, Yoga, etc...
A couple weeks ago, I catered a Shiva Rea Retreat at Wishtoyo Village in Malibu (a Chumash/ Native American learning center). We were completely unplugged (from devices), slept in tents, + swam in the ocean. Afterwards, I did not want to get back online!
(It was a huge opportunity, + I am so Amazed by the whole experience! ;))
My first catering job ever was at Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage in Missouri, about 15 years ago! ;) I had been living there as an Intern, learning to build strawbale + cob houses, getting my intro to Organic Gardening, + having my mind blown open about alternative fuels, eating Local, + so much more (including how to get along with 25 people when you live with them every day! ;))
Playing With Strangers...
{First, for those of you local to Long Beach, CA, I am hosting a Raw Recipe Class, Tuesday, July 28th. + There are 4 Spaces Left! Raw Vegan Spaghetti + "Meatballs" + German Chocolate Cake! Check it out here ... }
And now onto the topic of today! ....
Would you welcome someone you didn't know, into your home? A friend of a friend? Or someone you met online?
About 7 months ago, I started hosting guests through Airbnb.
Have you heard of it? Or traveled using Airbnb?
A Year to Live...
I often ask myself, "What really matters in my life?"
Here's a story for you...
When I was in college at Brandeis University, getting my Bachelor's in Sociology, I took a class called Sociology of Birth + Death.
We meditated in class, in a round room, practiced eye-gazing, + by the second semester of my sophomore year, I was asked to TA the class! ;)
Read MoreAstrology + the Muppets:: A Side Note
What is it I love about Astrology + the Muppets?
How are Astrology + the Muppets similar, yet different?
Compare + contrast.
When I am singing with the Agape Choir sometimes, I feel like I am in a living episode of the Muppet Show. I don't know if that would make Rickie Byars Beckwith, Kermit the Frog (Rickie, you are much more beautiful + talented, though equally loveable ;)) but what I love is that every Muppet is so different + unique, yet each has a special place in the band.
I'm coming to Atlanta!
We are in Gemini + Mercury Retrograde. My birthday is coming up + I'm coming to Atlanta!!! That's right, all you Atlanta folks can sit down, you heard that right.
It was my dream to spend this year's birthday in the ATL + I'm using the invitation to vend at the 3rd Annual Wonderful Wizards of Raw Festival in Atlanta's West End, as the perfect excuse for a luxurious visit + foray into the luscious sweet community I love so dearly (+ miss!). Can you say Mercury Retrograde anybody? The perfect time to reconnect with old friends + go back to places, spaces, + times we love. Great time to tie up loose ends, complete projects, + slow it down.
How A Pod of Dolphins Led Me to David Wolfe...
One of the most magical memories I have of living on the Big Island of Hawaii in 2008-9, was swimming with the dolphins!
While working at a Bed + Breakfast, on Christmas Eve Day, I decided to go out for a swim. When I arrived at the water, the spinner dolphins were jumping up + diving back into the ocean. I put my snorkel gear + fins on + climbed in!
Words cannot describe the experience of being enveloped in a dolphin pod, swimming along, twisting + turning + flipping my "tail" aka. snorkeling fins! It felt like being carried along in a magical world.
Passover for Peace @ Star Tribes + Meeting Alicia Silverstone + Erykah Badu
Happy Friday + Spring Equinox!
Have you been spending too much time on social media, + craving connections with people you can hug, smile at, + talk to face-to-face?
Lately this has been coming up for me, + I'd like to share a lil' story....
During my 20's I traveled cross country a few times in a biodiesel VW camper van, visiting + staying in intentional communities along the way. I took a lot of pictures, + many of them appear in a book I wrote, Open-Eyed Heart-Wide Haggadah.
Writing + creating this book was my way of reclaiming my heritage after many years of spiritual seeking (+ finding!).
(It's an unconventional ritual guide for the Jewish holiday of Passover. ;))
And now, people from all over the country + globe are buying it on Etsy + Amazon! (Let your friends know, if you like! ;))
It's also available in several independent bookstores in California, Arizona, Georgia, + Hawaii! + was recently featured on HuffPost! ;)
All this to say, I have an upcoming event/ dinner party with my book, + you're invited! ;)
Imagine yourself lounging on a Persian rug, seated on pillows, or handcrafted wooden chairs... surrounded by art, sculptures, clothing + jewelry from all around the world. Succulent plant arrangements everywhere.
I'm so honored to be doing an event at a magical place called Star Tribes, which I discovered on an Artist's Date recently.
And dining on olives, oranges, handmade "matzah," apples + walnuts, homemade soup, + drinking grape juice + wine, each item blessed + honored for its ritual purpose.
The event is called 4/4 Passover for Peace, + it's a catered (Debra-style) Ritual Dinner + Celebration of Spring, Liberation, + Peace on the Planet.
In the background is some live music, guitar, + everyone breaks out singing + laughing. You come alone, but leave with 15 new friends.
It's Saturday, April 4th, from 5 - 8 pm, in my neighborhood!
I hope you can come! ;)
For more information + to reserve your space, go to: DebraMazer.com/events/StarTribesPassover2015
Only 15 Spaces Available.
Guaranteed I will hug you there. I heard we need 11 hugs per day. ;)
Love + Raw Vegan Gluten-Free Matzah Balls,
x
Debra.
I've been doing this every morning....
Hey Beautiful! Can you believe it's March already?
I've been busy leading The Artist's Way for a group of Goddesses, + going on Artist's Date Adventures myself! ;)
I'm headed to Natural Products Expo West this weekend + super excited about it. (It's like Disneyland for Health Food Retailers ;)).
Life can get full + overwhelming, especially when you have big dreams + visions.
So I wanted to share a new Morning Ritual I've been doing, as an Entrepreneur + Business Owner (+ Person!) that's totally been helping me.
(The idea comes from Nisha Moodley.)
Each morning (after Meditating + doing my Morning Pages) I get out a small scrap piece of paper + write 3 Categories on it:
1) Vision
2) Have To
3) Proud Of